New Blind and Visually Impaired Support Group is Opening the Doors of Opportunity

KINGSTON, NY (December 24, 2013)— On Thursday, January 9, 2014, Resource Center for Accessible Living, Inc. (RCAL) will begin a new support group for the blind and visually impaired.

The support group will bring together people within the community who are blind or visually impaired. The members can share their stories, ideas, and information in a supportive setting, cultivating new relationships between people who can empathize with, and understand one another.

“After I lost my sight, one of the most important things was being around and forming connections with others who were blind or had a visual impairment,” said Jaime Bunt, support group facilitator. “It was one of the most important and life changing experiences; I would like to create this experience for as many other people living with blindness or visual impairment as I can.”

The first meeting will allow for introductions; members will share ideas of what they would like to see incorporated into future meetings. Currently, there are plans for guest speakers, the introduction of new technologies, and discussions of available transportation services in the area.

The Blind and Visually Impaired support group will begin on Thursday, January 9, 2014. Meetings will be held at RCAL on the second Thursday of every month from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

RCAL currently offers six support groups. The meetings are a welcoming, accessible, safe place to share positive and negative feelings. Members can learn information about specific concerns, develop new coping mechanisms, grow, be hopeful, encouraged and positive, receive emotional support, become empowered, and share with other people who are experiencing the same, emotionally and physically.

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much” – Helen Keller

Call (845) 331-0541 to register. Please visit www.rcal.org for more information pertaining to the Blind and Visually Impaired Support Group, and other services RCAL offers.

Our Mission is to assist people with disabilities to open the doors of opportunity and independence in the Ulster County region through self-determination by creating disability understanding and awareness, and access community-wide.

Beginning on January 9, 2014, Jaime Bunt will be hosting a Blind and Visually Impaired Support Group at Resource Center for Accessible Living, Inc. The meetings will be held on the second Thursday of every month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Please call RCAL at 845-331-0541 to register for the meetings.
You can reach Jaime at ext. 13 with any questions.